I always have such good intentions of getting more updates done, or giving a heads up on possible adventures but somehow it never seems to happen. Perhaps me always meeting myself coming and going may add to that!


Life is good...especially when I am headed off for another adventure!! I'm sitting here on a flight to Copenhagen and then onto Amsterdam. When Shannon and I visited in March with her family and our friends, we learned it was cheaper on our one way trip back to actually purchase a round trip ticket starting in Europe and doing it the other direction. That is true!! So we picked a date in the schedule that would allow booking and just kinda randomly chose. If could make happen great, if not it was still a better purchase than the one way. Of course I chose over my birthday weekend because...duh! What a way to celebrate?!


So a few months ago, both Shannon and I had been watching flights on Wow airlines, which is an extremely cheap airline that flies thru Iceland. We found a one way from Amsterdam back to Boston for $250 and we were sold!!! And as someone who loves her southwest credit card to build travel points, most all my travels within the US are free because of my points so flights to Boston are covered. Thus, we are off!


It will be a short adventure this time but as always an adventure filled with laughter, backroad driving, bickering over who knows what and a week of fun. We have tried to make this trip pretty carefree and without plans, so that's what we will be up to. Our only set plan as of today is Saturday in Paris to celebrate my birthday. I'm sure this will be one to remember!


Will try and keep posted and share pics as they come.


Lots of love,


Jenny


PS I always wonder this about others so figured I would share... I love being able to share my adventures in the process of me traveling but I also use common sense. My home is not only monitored, I always have someone staying at my home for safety and for my fur baby. If I don't have someone staying at my home, there typically are not posts "real time". 😊

I feel horrible about not getting more updates on our amazing trip but we kept so busy while gone and of course I have hit the ground running since back.  I did want to do some highlights finishing off the trip and filling you in more after the Belgium bombings.  


As I was coming home I decided to not post much about my whereabouts and plans for flights.  One of the beauties of my blog is many of you read it and follow along and I LOVE that!!  So along with that, I couldn’t in good conscious let you know my travel plans coming back and when I was in airports and such because I quickly learned how many people I had worrying and praying for us.  I was terrified I would post something letting everyone know and then something happens as I have you all watching.  So, I am obviously home and safe and grateful to be on American soil.  

The first morning we woke up in Belgium, Shannon’s daughter actually had read about the bombings at the airport.  Things happened in such a strange way that the universe mixed up our travel schedule which kept us safe.  We had planned to fly out of Brussels but each step of the way our trip was altered and fortunately, we were not in Brussels nor the airport the day of the attack.  We were located in Bruges, which is about an hour away from the attack and of course stay cleared of Brussels the entire trip.  We fortunately did not encounter anything out of the norm during our travels and were safe along the way.  It was a little scary to think about the harm that was done less than 30 minutes from us and that we weren’t sure what we would encounter as we flew out. 

**side note incase I forget, I flew out of Amsterdam at the end of the trip which was included in the high terror alert.  The craziest thing about that was that besides me getting my boarding pass and handing over my passport, not a single time was my I.D. nor passport checked the rest of the time at that airport.  They didn’t have their typical show id and boarding pass going thru security, only scanned our boarding pass.  Strangest thing I have encountered especially during that time. So not sure where they check their passports but I never had mine checked!  Kinda scary!  


We had a spectacular place that we stayed in Ghent, Belgium.  One of the things on my bucket list was to stay in a thatched roof house.  Well, I can cross that off!  We had a huge home that we loved being in with a host couple that stayed on the property in a separate home.  They were delightful and extremely helpful.  He also was a beer lover so he and Wes could talk beer and he told us where to go to pick up some of the best Belgian beers.  


We were able to hit some highlights of Belgium and allow everyone to see the beauty of the area.  Of course, we were a bit on edge and avoiding public transportation, but I think that everyone was able to see the how gorgeous the area is and the contrast that it is to Ireland.  I do think our beers drinkers were a bit sad that everything tends to close fairly early in the towns.  There isn’t much open nightly past 7-8 pm.  There was a neat hidden beer sampling/education stop that everyone loved doing.  Plus, we picked up random Belgian beers each time we saw a new one and made sure to try it and find which ones we loved.  I loved the ability for all of us to sit around in the evening, drink, laugh and just recap the day.  We enjoyed it each evening and then we would start it all over again. 
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Will try and get a bit out about our Amsterdam adventure but some of those things should be left in Amsterdam…but I am sure I can rustle up something that I can share.  :)  

Thanks for following along, your support and prayers.  It meant so much to all of us and I have loved sharing with those of you whom have stopped in to Pinkadilly.  


xoxo
Jenny

I know it has been a bit but we have been going nonstop and haven't taken the time to share.  After our wonderful St Patrick's day in Dublin, my sister had to fly back to the states on Friday because her spring break was ending. (Which is why I love being self employed because I can make my own spring break when it is cheaper to fly!). As we drop my sister off at the airport to fly back to the states we picked up Shannon's kids who had flown in for their spring break. From the start we tried to keep them awake once they landed so we headed to Benown, Ireland to our next house rental.  It was in the middle of Ireland to get us a country feel and get out of the hustle and bustle.  
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We dropped off our belongings at the most wonderful country home and then headed off to see Galway. Before Shannon and I added other on the trip that was a place neither of us had been so had hoped to make it there. So we were able to at least sneak over to see it with the kids and do some site seeing, shopping and eating. Absolutely gorgeous little town in Ireland and of course driving cross country on backroad a completely fills my heart.  I must admit, it isn't quite the same as Shannon and I blasting the tunes and going, but with the car full of laughter from her kids we had a ball. 


The following day two of our friends Wes and Shannon flew in to join us for the last week.  Shan Bann from this point forward, we have worked with Wes for the past five years as our craft beer expert for Serendipity. He works for our local distributor and he and Shannon #2 also have a love for travel so we were excited for them to join us on our adventure.  Wes had been so excited to get to Belgium he was beside himself because they are known for their beers but I made them come to Ireland first so they had a taste of that.  I just didn't want them to only get a feel of Belgium and Germany because it is such a differently than Ireland. I personally don't know how someone couldn't fall in love with Ireland

Have to head off but will send lots more later. I might make it home before I finish but I hate to miss any of fun of the trip.   


Slainte 
-Jenny

P.S.  I am home in the comfort of my house.  Thus, why I was able to upload a wee more things.  Will continue to finish journey over next week or so.  

I know it has been a bit but we have been going nonstop and haven't taken the time to share. After our wonderful St Patrick's day in Dublin, my sister had to fly back to the states on Friday because her spring break was ending. (Which is why I love being self employed because I can make my own spring break when it is cheaper to fly!). As we drop my sister off at the airport to fly back to the states we picked up Shannon's kids who had flown in for their spring break. From the start we tried to keep them awake once they landed so we headed to Benown, Ireland to our next house rental. It was in the middle of Ireland to get us a country feel and get out of the hustle and bustle.

We dropped off our belongings at the most wonderful country home and then headed off to see Galway. Before Shannon and I added other on the trip that was a place neither of us had been so had hoped to make it there. So we were able to at least sneak over to see it with the kids and do some site seeing, shopping and eating. Absolutely gorgeous little town in Ireland and of course driving cross country on backroad a completely fills my heart. I must admit, it isn't quite the same as Shannon and I blasting the tunes and going, but with the car full of laughter from her kids we had a ball.

The following day two of our friends Wes and Shannon flew in to join us for the last week. Shan Bann from this point forward, we have worked with Wes for the past five years as our craft beer expert for Serendipity. He works for our local distributor and he and Shannon #2 also have a love for travel so we were excited for them to join us on our adventure. Wes had been so excited to get to Belgium he was beside himself because they are known for their beers but I made them come to Ireland first so they had a taste of that. I just didn't want them to only get a feel of Belgium and Germany because it is such a differently than Ireland. I personally don't know how someone couldn't fall in love with Ireland.

Have to head off but will send lots more later. I might make it home before I finish but I hate to miss any of fun of the trip.

Slainte
-Jenny

Happy St Patricks day!!

Well the greening of Ireland has begun! We landed in Dublin the day before St Patrick's day after a whirlwind couple days in London. We took off from London after our amazing Adele and we were on the flight to Dublin with a wild crowd to celebrate St Pattys day with the rest of Ireland.

Granted...we absolutely are grateful for the opportunity to be in Dublin on the actual holiday, but we can now say we have been there and done that. 😜. It is such an amazing way to celebrate the luck of the Irish but we realized that in Dublin really is filled with Americans celebrating the holiday and teenagers out of school. And they were EVERYWHERE!!

We reserved a hotel along the parade route to ensure visibility and most importantly a toilet (they don't use the term restroom) and safety. The westin was in a phenomenal location that allowed easy access to everything in walking distance so that allowed us plenty of adventuring out the night before. During the parade we were able to say and watch the parade from the comfort and safety of our room.

The most interesting thing about the Dublin parade is that is isn't remotely like the parades we are accustomed to in the states. I sadly might admit, there might be more exciting things to see and watch in the Topeka St. Patrick's day parade then the Dublin one, not to mention the length. There really were only maybe two floats per say and the rest were groups of walking people. For example a California band that had 180 members, or a group from Boston. The Dublin parade was made up of half Americans walking the parade and really Americans along the streets watching it.

We did talk with an Irish gal later that night and she laughed and said the only people that watch the Dublin parade are Americans! So...next time we will find a quaint Irish town to get our St. Pats on. But..have have now celebrated in Dublin! 😜

Okay, off to eat clotted cream, and welcome Shannon's kiddos to Ireland!

Cheers,

Jenny

We can not begin to tell you or share how amazing our night was last night with Adele. Not only did we get to spend the day in London hitting our must stop favorites, we then had the most amazing evening that was once in a lifetime truly.

We were to be at the O2 arena by 5:15 to get to our VIP reception so with it being an hour away we left London around 4:00 and headed to the arena. The O2 is just massive and the best way I could explain to those in Kansas is that if you put the Sprint center and all of Power and Lights districts bars and restaurants under a massive dome that you could retract, you now have the London O2. We learned that for a performance it holds about 30,000 people and is flipping massive! When you look up to those climbing the stairs to the top it would almost make you a wee bit sick.

We arrived at our VIP reception and from the start we were treated like royalty. We walked in and were given champagne and escorted to our assigned tables and seats. When we arrive at our seats they had not missed a detail in making us feel special. From the menu cards to every single sign in our area showed that we were Adele VIP. (Including the posters in the bathroom which Shannon snagged for us. 😜). So before the concert we enjoyed an open bar with spirits, Peroni beer and two wines were available. The staffing was incredible so each and every person at the table were all served at the exact time as the servers surrounded our table waiting to deliver or meal. Granted, I am not one for raw salmon or lamb so I may have left my expensive meal a bit hungry but I wasn't there for the food.

After we had our three course meal the black coats then escorted us across the way to the arena where we were quickly led to the fast track entrance so we didn't have to wait in the massive line to enter. As we entered we then were escorted to our seats which we assumed were going to be wonderful and on the floor but we honestly were never given a seat assignment so we had zero clue where we would be seated. Each time we showed our ticket they kept directing us to the main floor and each time our hearts beated a bit faster. We finally arrived at our seats on the floor and we were third row right by the stage. I think at this point Shannon and Patti were both blown away and realized how spectacular of an evening we had planned.

The show was to start at 8:00 pm and it shortly after 8 it started. You can see the video below showing of how her show opened. She appeared in the middle of the arena behind us to throw us all for a loop, and of course she started her show with "Hello". After her first song she walked thru the crowd and headed to the main stage that was directly in front of us.

I have attended lots of concerts in my day, starting with my very first concert of my choosing (I was 16 btw) of Ozzy Osbourne and Lita Ford to Alabama to Kenny G. I truly enjoy music and although I have attended lots over the years, I have never had such a magically evening let alone had the opportunity of such a neat performer.

The best part about the evening was getting to know Adele. She performed to the crowd as though it were 1000 people. She was extremely humble, witty and most importantly real. We heard plenty of the f word (which of course I am fluent in), about her zits that popped up over night, the love of her life her little one and about how she could barely sell out a small place and is now selling out around the world. She addressed all parts of the arena and made sure to interact with the crowd as much as she could.

I had thought ahead and had taken one of my Pinkadilly American flag vests that were extremely light weight so I could pack it and show where we were from. Shannon and I held up any time the house lights came on and finally we did catch her attention. She not only acknowledged that we were from the states but also poked fun and asked what we were holding up, "is that some sort of a poncho or something?" As I type I can hear her British accent and her addressing us... ❤️. The crowd around us was tickled that we finally caught her attention and gave us all cheers as they felt they were with us. Such fun camaraderie with everyone around us.

*side note, on our plane trip to Ireland today the gal on the plane next to Shannon was also at Adele. When she heard we were from the states she asked if Shannon heard adele address some others from the US that held up some expensive weird flag. That was us... 😊

At the end of the show, as she was finishing rolling in the deep, cannons let of massive confetti. Until it all landed we didn't realize that there was handwriting on each of them. And the floor was covered. It was all in Adele's handwriting and had many messages. We gathered quite a few yet haven't had a chance to look at them all yet.

Towards the end of the concert she did welcome those of us close to come up to the stage and be close to her while singing. Just amazing...

It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity that I know we will never forget.

-Jen

Well we are officially on our way to our next travel adventure. I am actually sitting here on the plane to Boston and then from there we are headed to London. I have a sleeping Shannon on one side of me and a zonked sister in front of me and figured I would use the time to write! (They should be lucky I'm not taking pictures, but as you saw last time I have to be careful with that one. 😜).

We officially land in London on Monday and are only there for a quick two days. London has always been for the most part one of my absolute favorite places. I do believe that Ireland has taken that coveted favorite spot, but who can not love and enjoy a couple days in London, especially when you get to see Adele!!

Addison my step daughter fell in love with Adele many years ago and we had given her Adeles first cd on her 16th birthday. So I have long loved her and her music, and if you know Addison or I our love for loud embarrassing singing that we can belt out, we can love us some #adele

So as I hinted last time, Patti, Shannon and I are beyond excited to have to opportunity to see Adele live while in London. If you are an Adele lover, you know that when her tickets went on sale they sold out immediately across the world. Many of them are now held by secondary market so the pricing is absolutely absurd. I had researched and studied for about two weeks after her tour had been released and sold out and was just heart broken and I couldn't make it work. It honestly came down to I was not willing to buy a $60 ticket that is now $400 in the nose bleeds at the back of a stadium. So I studied and researched both the US and of course while we had planned to be overseas. London is one of the best spots because of the new O2 arena and its reputation for amazing sound, but I really couldn't pull the trigger on tickets that were extremely expensive and I would need binoculars. So as I am researching the after market tickets and where all she would be touring while we were overseas I discovered a little note at the top of her page that basically said for VIP seating please contact blah blah blah. So I started the research figuring out what that meant and realized, Adele offers VIP hospitality packages that are available in limited quantity but under no circumstances could they be resold. They would be voided immediately. So what that means in essence is these VIP tickets are the only ones that could be purchased at original face value because they are not allowed to be resold. Each location varied but basically it offered a champagne reception, a 3 course meal, a souvenir program, fast track entrance and VIP tickets, on the floor by the stage at a table!! Omg...there is hope!

So after making them call me multiple times from London (amazing customer service by the way) we now have VIP tickets holders paying the same as many up in horrible seats. Can you hear how thrilled and excited I am?! It may have taken 20 hours of research and studying but by george it is worth it!

When I finally received the call that they were able to get me a VIP ticket for the date I wanted in my perfect world, they couldn't insure how many I could get. I was clear I was flexible, I would take one, two or three. Both Shannon and Patti love Adele but they weren't quite sure they were down with my crazy idea to try this especially knowing it wasn't $60 per ticket. But when I found out I could get three VIP tickets for similar cost as the aftermarket tickets, I jumped on it. Fortunately both of them were completely game and realized it truly was a once in a lifetime opportunity that would be a memory we had forever. Um hello...VIP Adele in London!

So that's my fun story behind the first part of our trip. If you know me, you know I am persistent, thrifty and resourceful and if you travel with me it's a nice perk because you can't imagine the time I spend for each part of my adventure. I work hard so I want to make it count! It is a challenge to me to find amazing things to create memories that make you feel 5 star champagne budget with a 2 star beer budget. 😊

Xoxo

Jenny

#notopinkadilly #adele #love #london

Hello…it’s me.  I’m just going to throw you guys straight into my next adventure.  I had planned to do some build up on how to travel 5 star on a 2 star budget, or fun things to cross of your bucket list.  But since business has been amazing, my planning to be able to leave the country for 2 weeks, putting my house on the market, finding the perfect home for me and the list goes on.  
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At some point I hope to be able to explain a little bit about the research and work I put into each trip on accommodations and pricing, but I also love to truly create memories.   I must admit, the #1 thing that makes me absolutely happy is music.  I have learned, and really also confirmed in my shaking of my January blues, how much if I put on a song I love, that I can belt out, it just makes me happy!  I’m not sure how you could be in a bad mood.  (currently my favorite is When We Were Young, by Adele.  It may be the most played song on my playlist…)  Street performers in Convent Garden, or my real love Irish Pubs, I am a happy girl and love experiencing it all.  Busking on the streets always warms my heart and stopping to enjoy and tip you can count on.  Now if I find a street performer, performing one of my absolutely favorite songs that I can belt out with them…love…

***Totally have to veer off but, have you seen this?  I don’t think there could be a better hour spent.  I would even ride in back!  :)  

I must admit, I think I have a pretty amazing job and life and there really aren't any jobs that would pull me away except this. This guy might truly have the best job.  James Corden, I want your job #thelatelateshow .  #adele #eltonjohn #notopinkadilly 

So my goal is to at least every other year take a two-three week trip to Europe and explore a new area or revisit one I have already fallen in love with.  Sometimes there are things that are once in a lifetime chance and you have to grab it and do it!  So…this Sunday I am off for a two week adventure in London, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany.  The first week it will be my best girl friend Shannon and my sister Patti.  Patti then heads back off her spring break (teacher) and Shannon’s kids fly in on their spring break and Wes and Shannon #2, my beer dude and his wife, also fly in and spend a week for the 6 of us to explore and enjoy some beer tasting and adventures! 

So I plan to try my best to be able to blog like I did last time.  I know it was great for everyone to travel along with us,  friends, family and you! I mentioned earlier lifetime chance and running with it, have you picked up on my hints of my first once in a lifetime things? 

Can't wait to share more,

xoxo
​Jenny

The last two nights along with tonight we have flown by the seat of our pants. Well...Shannon is always game for that, but not me!  I like a plan!  I had not booked rooms because I just didn't know where the roads would take us. I had read about Kinsale, Ireland and thought we would head that direction and it did work out perfectly. 

We found a beautiful resort that was smallish in size so not a typical massive one. We did a last minute booking on it and got a steal which is always a perk. It was set on 90 acres along the Atlantic way and one of the inlets came up behind resort so our view 

was incredible. You couldn't find a more beautiful site to wake to.  Entire side of the room was windows which makes hard one for to sleep and not be ready to tackle the day.  

Yesterday we had heard about the true "main" distillery for Jameson. I had been to the one located in Dublin but didn't realize they don't produce there any longer.  So off we went to check out that and get our whiskey tasting on!  It was fabulous....incredible tour that gave so much information on why whisky is what it is...how it gets that way, why Jameson stands out from others (which with taste testing you could obviously tell also) and how Jameson started.  We spent a few hours there learning.  And since Shannon and I have both taken the bartender courses to run/bartend at serendipity we love to learn those things.  We may not be big drinkers but we are educated servers!  

We then made the decision to hop in the car in see the ring of Kerry.  It is the southern tip of Ireland that has amazing views, formations of rocks along a scenic drive. Truly gorgeous but have to admit...with the hazy weather that ireland tends to have, it makes it hard to see things sometimes. So yes, it was beautiful but as back road travelers...we get a chance to see that often.  Finding sheep out of their pens along a cliff, memorials built into walls, the way they handle back, tiny road traveling is a fun experience to both of us. Fortunately, I think we are both pretty easy going. If one wants to stop...sure!  Want a picture there?  Sure!  I do believe going into a major trip with anyone, whether it's a friend or a spouse, you have to know you will see things differently and it isn't worth arguing over or ruining a trip.  So we just go and can't sweat the small stuff.  Not always easy with picky eaters (me), people who need bathroom breaks often (me), or think you are always right (me), but in the end...it is vacation and needs to be enjoyed by all and everyone's needs thought about. 

Last night we headed to a pub in downtown Kinsale and we had a shuttle service so we could get our Guinness on. Nothing makes us happier than live music and good company. We had both so we enjoyed the time we had before the band retired for the evening. 

Today we headed to Blarney Castle.  I had traveled here two years ago with my family and climbed to the top of the castle but did not kiss the stone. Well today...I did!  Many people are not aware of the trek to get to the castle, then the climbing of the miserable, tiny, tight stairs.  So for a claustrophobic person, your heart gets to racing!  Shannon was a good sport and created space so I wasn't stuck in between people on the stairs and off I went!  This time the rain wasn't dumping so I decided to get my kissing on. You have to in essence lay down on your back, grab two bars and slide back upside down head first to kiss the bloody thing. It isn't as hard as looks especially since a fella is there to help you.  So glad I did and can cross that off my bucket list. 

We then did a little shopping at some tourist-y shops and now are on our way to Dublin!  Guinness, music, Irish dancing and Molly Malone  are on our list tomorrow.  Checking into another airb&b.com at noon which I am SO excited about.  I'm on my last pair of undies so it couldn't come at a better time. Laundry!!!  😜

Love that so many of you are following along. It has been fun!  Love the messages we have gotten and comments on the blog, plus makes the drive time in between go faster because we are working on the blog!  

Off to grab some scones and clotted cream...❤️

Jenny